The Blitzboks have made an injury enforced change to their squad for this weekend’s eagerly anticipated Cape Town Sevens.

The forward, Christie Grobbelaar, has been withdrawn from the squad for the second event of the Sevens World Series after sustaining an ankle injury during their successful Dubai Sevens title defence.

Tiaan Pretorius, who is the cousin of the former Blitzbok and Rugby World Cup winner, Kwagga Smith. His dad, Torros Pretorius, represented the Cats in the early days of SuperRugby, while he also played for the Pumas.

In addition, Tristan Leyds, has been added to the squad to give the team some extra options. Leyds in turn is the younger brother of the Springboks outside back, Dillyn Leyds.

The coach, Sandile Ngcobo, said it’s a pity for Grobbelaar to be ruled out of the home tournament, but by the same token it’s a good opportunity for Pretorius as well as Leyds.

“It is really unfortunate for Christie, as he was in very good form in Dubai and every player in the team wants to play in their home tournament,” said Ngcobo.

“As always in rugby, an injury affords another player an opportunity and it could be Tiaan or Tristan.

“Tiaan is a straight swop for Christie as a forward, but we also added Tristan as he gives us a different option, should we decide to tweak the team for this weekend.”

The Blitzboks will open their campaign at 10:50 on Saturday morning against Great Britain.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport